Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY), Merck & Co Inc (NYSE: MRK), Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) and Johnson & Johnson(NYSE: JNJ) are facing the so-called patent cliffs which imply revenue of tens of billions of dollars between now and and the end of this decade is at risk. The expiration of patents for one or more leading branded products for a company means opening the door to competitors to sell copycats of those drugs, often at a competitive price. But, as always, pharmaceutical companies do their best to prepare for this unfavorable scenario and this time round, they are turning to the world’s most common causes of death- cancer and heart disease.
Johnson & Johnson continues to build its heart business.
Johnson & Johnson is focusing on enhancing its cardiovascular health business in response to its blockbuster Crohn’s disease drug, Stelara, facing competition next year. On Friday, Johnson & Johnson signed a deal to get Shockwave Medical for $12.5 billion and enhance its treatment of heart disease. Similarly to how kidney stones are broken down,shockwaves can be used as a medical treatment to break down calcified plaque in heart vessels. Cardiac health has been a focus for Johnson & Johnson for a while now. Back in 2022, Johnson & Johnson spent $16.6 billion to buy heart pump maker Abiomed.
Pfizer is betting big on cancer drugs to make its post-Covid turnaround.
It’s no secret that Pfizer needs to regain ...